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Friday, January 21, 2011

Pottery Barn copied me, so I copied them right back!

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you Pottery Barn copied me? LOL!! Well, I decided tit for tat and I was going to use one of their ideas. Well at least part of one of their ideas.

I found a great sign in their catalog. I went online so I could download and share a photo with you, but they cut it out on the online photo. This made me realize the sign isn't even for sale. It is just a piece in a homeowners home. So the pictures you are getting aren't the greatest because I literally snapped the photos right out of the catalog.

It says: "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come"

I was in love with the style and the saying.

Unfortunately I didn't have wood laying around the house like that. I like to use what I have, so I decided to improvise a bit. Yesterday I shared the story about the VINTAGE CABINET that I can't stand. I have decided to use its parts for different projects. For this sign project I decided to use the entire top of the cabinet.

My stencils were larger therefore I had to change the arrangement of the words. In addition I also had to change a few words to fit. I changed "and" to "&" and "singing" to "song".

Here it is pre-distressed and pre-stained. Looks ok, but still a little to perfect.

I took my palm sander out to rough the lettering up a bit. I brushed on a coat of natural Min Wax to draw out the grain in the wood. It is a large piece of wall art measuring 20"x44". Here is the finished product:

I must say I am really pleased with the outcome. I was looking for large unique wall art, and this just kind of fell into my lap...

UPDATE....2 days later. I have just been informed Birdie at These Moments of Mine that this sign in the Pottery Barn catalog actually comes from SUGARBOODESIGNS. You can see it on their homepage their. I can't find the prices because you have to sign in as a wholesaler, but Birdie is telling me it is $280. Just crazy! I am so liking my $0 price tag better.

Hey Lisa -- I must say I like your "BIG" bold sassy creativity; no matter where the inspiration comes from -- so Kudos -- Where are you hanging this? You have more imagination than Pottery Barn. Blessings Terri www.morningdewdrops.typepad.com

Lisa, this is just stunning. Love everything about it!! Just like everything you do, I can totally see this in my home. Sigh! PS Come over and follow me again under your new blog name; I think you are still there as your former self, lol.

I was just looking at that catalog earlier today and was trying to think of a way to copy that same artwork. I love your idea and how it came out. I'm going to try to scrounge up an old grape tray (we are a BIG raisin growning community where I live in California) and duplicate the saying on that and hang it on my kitchen wall. Oh goodness, my project wish list is growing. I hope I can find (make) the time to do them all. :)

I love it! Such a pretty saying and you did a great job! Did you free-hand the bird?? awesome! I'm in the process of making my first sign (on a smaller scale for a beginner). I'll show you when it's done of course ;)

This is so beautiful and I agree with the comment above, WAY better than Pottery Barn!Love that saying sooo much!New follower :) just love your blog!Sarahwww.thebirdspapaya.blogspot.com(p.s. you are SOOO close to 300 followers! congrats!)

Wow!! This looks awesome! The original piece in the Pottery Barn catalog is actually art from Sugarboo Designs and retails for $280 and up! I love, love, love your knock off though, even better than the original!

Lisa, This is adorable! Love the saying and your version looks fantastic. Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase - I greatly appreciate it. I'll be featuring this today. Hope you have a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn

I LOVE your interpretation! I was just looking at this in the catalog yesterday and thinking I wanted to try and copy it, but now I may copy yours instead! I like the little bird silhouette and the bright lettering!

It's hard to really copy art when most art is based on other people's art. As a artist you are motivated by other people's art and you may be inspired and use parts of other people's art to create your own art. Art is a touchy thing when it comes to ownership of ideas.

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Thanks for stopping by Serendipity Chic Design. Follow me through my journey of decorating on a budget. I love to share my ideas to save you money and teach you how to design your home for next to nothing.
I look forward to meeting all of you and would love to answer any questions you have....